News Summary
The Treehouse Sanctuary in St. Petersburg, formerly the Euclid Methodist Church, has reopened as an indoor farmers market every Sunday. This initiative promotes community engagement while raising funds for urgent restoration needs, with local vendors contributing to the church’s renovation. The church, now a registered nonprofit, aims to create a gathering space for community events and has exciting future plans including its first wedding and a grand reopening for its 100th anniversary.
St. Petersburg Revitalizes Historic Church with New Indoor Farmers Market
The Treehouse Sanctuary in St. Petersburg has officially reopened to the public after decades of inaccessibility. This historic landmark, once the Euclid Methodist Church, is now hosting an indoor farmers market every Sunday through at least August, showcasing a variety of local vendors. The initiative seeks to promote community spirit and create connections among residents in the area.
Owners Noam and Irene Krasniansky are spearheading the extensive renovation of the church, which they have described as a “money pit.” The couple has invested significant time and resources into the restoration process, nearly facing bankruptcy along the way. They are now focused on addressing urgent repair needs, with estimates suggesting that approximately $100,000 will be required for critical tasks, including roof and window repairs. Each vendor fee collected during the farmers market is reinvested into the church’s restoration funds.
As part of the revival efforts, the church has transitioned into a registered nonprofit organization, enabling it to apply for grants that can further assist with restoration initiatives. In addition to financial contributions, local residents are stepping up to volunteer their skills for the project, engaging in activities such as painting and plumbing to ensure the church’s successful revitalization.
Noam Krasniansky, known for his entrepreneurial background, including a prior appearance on the television show Shark Tank, has expressed gratitude for the strong sense of community he has experienced in St. Petersburg over the past two years. His efforts have not only focused on restoring the physical structure of the church but also on building meaningful relationships with neighbors and fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
Future Plans for the Sanctuary
The transformation of the church’s sanctuary is not merely cosmetic; the Krasnianskys envision it as a spiritual gathering space for various community events, such as grief support groups, breathwork sessions, yoga classes, and other healing-centered activities. This aligns with their goal of nurturing a sense of togetherness among residents.
Exciting developments continue to unfold as the first wedding at the church is scheduled for September 2023. In conjunction with this, the couple is eagerly preparing for a grand reopening planned for Thanksgiving Day, 2026, which will coincide with the church’s 100th anniversary.
Among the initiatives to boost funding for repairs is “Holy Buns,” a new bakery project offering handmade cinnamon rolls, with proceeds directed towards the restoration fund. This venture adds another layer of community engagement to the overall plan, allowing residents to support the church while enjoying local delicacies.
Community Involvement
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HERE Resources
St. Petersburg Welcomes New Coffee Haven
Last-Minute Getaway Guide to St. Pete-Clearwater
Gulfport Opens Salty Pup Coffeehouse and Bakeshop
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Historic Treehouse Sanctuary Reopens
- Wikipedia: Farmers Market
- I Love The Burg: Pinellas County Market Guide
- Google Search: Community Engagement in Events
- St. Pete Catalyst: New County Complex
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Service
- St. Pete Rising: Sprouts Farmers Market
- Google News: Farmers Market in Florida
- Suncoast Post: Squeeze the Day at Farmers Markets
